Questions to Ask on a Preschool Tour
By First Cubby Editorial · Updated 2026-07-01
A tour goes fast, and the polished parts are easy to see. These are the questions that surface what really matters — bring the same list to every school so you’re comparing like for like.
The day & the people
- What’s the adult-to-child ratio, and how many children per room?
- How long have the teachers been here? What’s the turnover?
- Walk me through a typical day, drop-off to pickup.
- How much time is outdoors, and what happens in bad weather?
How they handle hard moments
- How do you support a child through the first weeks of separation?
- What’s your approach to discipline and to biting or hitting?
- How are potty accidents handled?
- What happens when a child is sick or gets hurt?
Logistics & communication
- How and how often do you update parents?
- What are the true costs — tuition, registration, supplies, deposits?
- Is there a waitlist, and how does enrollment work?
Jot answers right after each visit — they blur together fast. First Cubby stores your tour notes per school so you can compare side by side.
Frequently asked questions
What questions should I ask on a preschool tour?
Ask the adult-to-child ratio, what a typical day looks like, how they handle separation and discipline, how they communicate with parents, and the full cost.
What are red flags at a preschool?
High staff turnover, chaotic or tense rooms, vague answers about ratios or safety, no outdoor time, and teachers who dismiss a crying child.
How do I evaluate a preschool?
Bring the same questions to every school so you compare like for like, and jot notes right after each visit — tours blur together fast.
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Related guides
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